The Indira Gandhi Boat Race takes place as a very colorful water sports-cum-festival held every year.
[3][4][5] The trophy of this race was started in memory of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister of India.
Feeding them during practice sessions and on festival days is the responsibility of villagers or well-to-do people, who often, vow to bear the entire expense.
Preparations for the Indira Gandhi Boat Race begin several weeks in advance.
Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of the Vanchipattu or the song of the boatman.